Try This Keratin Shampoo If You've Had a Treatment

Have you recently transformed your strands with a keratin treatment? Congratulations—we bet that your super-straight hair looks gorgeous on you. Now, what’s next? We’re betting your stylist already filled you in, but post-keratin hair treatment, your strands need special care to keep your new beauty look intact. Getting more specific, using a keratin shampoo is essential. And let’s face it, keratin smoothing isn’t cheap, so if a special shampoo can preserve your strands—it’s well worth it! Below, we’re breaking down why using the right shampoo for keratin-treated hair is a must and introducing you to our best keratin shampoo and conditioner.

WHY DO YOU NEED KERATIN SHAMPOO?

First things first, it’s important to explore why your regular shampoo won’t cut it after a keratin treatment. See, traditional shampoos typically contain cleansing agents known as sulfates and detergents that work to remove dirt, oil and other impurities from hair, per the NCBI. And while getting your hair clean is key, when it comes to dealing with keratin-treated hair, it’s essential to switch things up. Sulfates may strip the hair too much and interfere with how long your keratin smoothing treatment lasts. Keratin shampoos typically feature formulas that are free of sulfates and harsh detergents, making them a better choice for your mane.

IS KERATIN SHAMPOO GOOD FOR YOUR HAIR?

Let’s cut to the chase: Is keratin shampoo good for your hair? While we can’t speak for every shampoo out there, there certainly are keratin shampoos that can benefit your strands.

Processed and chemically-treated hair needs all the love it can get to avoid becoming dry and brittle, and shampoos for keratin-treated hair are typically extra gentle—just what your tresses need—and formulated to help with the hair's texture and smoothness.

OUR BEST KERATIN SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Now that you know more about the importance of using a keratin shampoo to care for your hair, you need to know which product to stock your shower with. Our favorite is the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Keratin Caring Shampoo, which features a sulfate-free formula that repairs, smooths, and improves the overall texture of hair for a salon-quality finish. How could you not add this pick to your hair care arsenal?

We also always recommend using a shampoo with the coordinating conditioner, so don’t forget to pick up the L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Keratin Caring Conditioner. Used together, the keratin hair care system is perfect for taking care of chemically-straightened hair.

HOW TO CARE FOR HAIR POST-KERATIN TREATMENT

Ready to put our best keratin shampoo to use? Keep reading to learn how to create the perfect routine for your smoothed and straightened strands.

STEP #1: WET YOUR HAIR

You should always make sure to wet your hair thoroughly before reaching for a keratin shampoo and conditioner. Since hair care starts in the shower, you’ll want to wash your strands in lukewarm water—not hot—to help prevent your hair from losing its natural oils.

STEP #2: SUDS UP

Once your strands are saturated, work the keratin shampoo through your hair, massaging it gently to create a thick lather. Then, rinse thoroughly, and you’re ready to move on to the next step.

STEP #3: REACH FOR CONDITIONER

After shampooing, apply your keratin conditioner to your hair, focusing on your mid-lengths and ends. Massage gently through your strands and let it sit for one to two minutes before rinsing.

STEP #4: PICK UP A HAIR MASK

There is no better way to show your keratin-treated strands some extra love than with a hair mask. Once or twice a week, reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm to renew and strengthen your hair strand by strand.

STEP #5: LET YOUR HAIR AIR DRY

Whenever you can, give your heat tools a break and let your hair air dry. After all, too much heat on any mane—chemically-treated or not—can wreak havoc on your strands. Plus, the whole point of a keratin treatment is that your hair should look gorgeous even without breaking out your straightener.

Of course, everyone does still need to blow-dry from time to time, so if you find yourself pressed for time and need to dry your locks fast, use a heat protectant before hitting your hair with heat. Try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Straight Iron Heatspray, which works to calm frizz, seal in shine, and protect your hair from heat damage.

Editor’s tip: A great way to minimize how much heat your hair is exposed to is letting your mane air dry halfway before reaching for the blow-dryer. It’s also best to use heat tools on the lowest setting possible that still gets the job done.

Next: 40 Hairstyles for Straight Hair